Google Maps updated with 3D tilt feature, vector graphics

Google Maps 5.0 -- that awesome version Andy Rubin showed off a week or so ago -- has been released to the Android Market. With the latest version of Google Maps, you get that very cool 3D tilt feature, plus vector graphics for less tiling (there's still some lag, but it's definitely better), compass mode, improved caching and offline navigation rerouting so that you can still find your way even if you lose your connection.

We'll have to check this out on as many phones as possible. There was talk about the 3D feature not working on the Nexus One, but it seems to be OK for us. (Update: More on that after the break.) Sound out in the comments if you see otherwise. Thanks to everyone who sent this in! [Google Lat-Long Blog]

Samsung Intercept's Froyo update may come starting Dec. 17

Have a Sprint Samsung Intercept and are still waiting on Android 2.2? Looks like it's just about here. In addition to the second-newest Android operating system (sorry, but we're all going to have to get used to that), you get a few bugfixes, including one for dropped calls, force closes on messages, inability to access google.com (really!?!?), phone contacts, and TeleNav GPS has been added. And because it's Froyo, wireless tethering is available -- for an extra $29.99 a month. If the date in the Sprint Playbook is to believed, we should start seeing updates in the next day or so.

Nexus S Hands-on Photo Gallery; Update: Video

Happy Nexus S day, gents and ladies. We high-tailed it over to our local Best Buy Mobile and picked one up to put it through its paces.

The screen is curved, yes, but not enough to elicit wows from anybody. The overall feel is very Galaxy - which is to say lighter than you might expect but also, sadly, a little cheaper-feeling in the materials than we'd like. The Super Amoled screen is darn pretty and actually performs quite nicely in direct sunlight. Unlike the Nexus One, the capacitive buttons on the bottom are blissfully distant from the main screen and so mis-taps are unlikely to be an issue. What is an issue is that like all Samsung Galaxy phones, those buttons disappear when the screen is off and they're darned-tough to see in sunlight, so better get used to that new button order quickly.

Who are we kidding, the niggles pale in comparison to the speed, which comes partly from that 1GHz hummingbird processor but mostly from Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

In the box you'll find the standard fare: charger, USB cable, and a set of not-horrendous headphones. It's Google-branded, that box, though ours at least had a T-Mobile SIM in there, courtesy of Best Buy.

Obviously expect a full review of the device and a look at its performance, but in the meantime gather round for a quick photo gallery (update: and video!) of this week's "Best Android Phone Ever."

CyanogenMod 6.1.1 now available for the Evo 4G, Nexus One, G2, myTouch 3G

Although the above tweet, I'm sure, speaks for itself, we figured we better make mention of it before you all flood our tips inbox (not that we don't appreciate it) but better to be one step ahead. Cyanogen Mod 6.1.1 is now live on the CyanogenMod website, and in Rom Manager. The full change log can be viewed via the CyanogenMod Github site. We're still digging through it all at this point but feel free to share thoughts in the comments or in our forums. [Cyanogen]

The Nexus Ninjas return!

Remember the ninjas who unboxed the original Nexus One? They're back for the Nexus S, and they're breaking out of YouTube box and doing their ninja thing all over your browser. It's not your typical YouTube video and we can't embed it here, so hit up the link for some slicing and dicing.

Oh, when it's done, don't forget to scroll down the page for some nunchuck action! [Ninja unboxing]

Nexus S available online now (with free shipping); stores open at 8 a.m.

The Samsung Nexus S -- the newest "Pure Google" Android smartphone with a smattering improvements over the Nexus One -- is now available for purchase from Best Buy Mobile online. Best Buy's thrown in free overnight shipping, so if you don't mind waiting a day, you can save a few bucks. The phone runs $199 on contract, $529 outright.

Best Buy stores -- the only place you can buy the Nexus S -- open early today at 8 a.m. local time. Our man on the street, Dieter Bohn (who really should get off the streets) reported no line at a Best Buy in Miami -- and we're really not expecting anything other than a mild nerd rush for the Nexus S. It's just not high on the regular public's radar. That said, quantities are finite, there's a two-per-customer limit, so it's wise to get yours sooner rather than later.

A reminder that the Nexus S, while unlocked (meaning it can take any SIM card), can only use T-Mobile 3G in the United States. It'll get European 3G just fine, but note that while you can use it on AT&T, you'll not have the faster data speeds. [Unsubsidized Nexus S; T-Mobile-subsidized Nexus S]

And don't forget that we'll be announce the winner of our Nexus S giveaway tonight on the Android Central Podcast, which starts at 9 p.m. EST.

Update: Dieter reports that he wasn't allowed to purchase two phones. If anyone gives you any trouble, show them this story.

LG officially announces Tegra 2 dual-core Optimus 2X

LG just announced the first dual-core Tegra 2-powered Android smartphone -- the LG Optimus 2X, previously known as the LG Star. Let's just get into specs, shall we?

1Ghz Dual-core Processor (NVIDIA Tegra 2)

4-inch WVGA screen

Android 2.2 (Froyo), upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

8GB memory (up to 32GB via microSD)

1,500 mAh battery

8 megapixel rear camera and 1.3 megapixel front camera

HDMI mirroring

1080p MPEG-4/H.264 playback and recording

It's a new era, folks. The Optimus 2X will be available in January in Korea, with Europe and Asia to follow. And LG will be at CES, so there's a better than average chance we'll see this guy in its full glory. Full presser and more pics are after the break. More in the Optimus 2X Forums!

HTC's weather provider appears to be under the weather itself

Yes, folks, it appears that HTC's weather provider has a case of the sniffles, and widgets from Wabash to Worthington are wondering just what the weather is like wherever we are wandering.

(OK, couldn't keep that up any longer.) We wouldn't worry (oops) ourselves too much over this, folks. It's like just server hiccups on the part of the weather provider (anyone remember who it is?), and there's nothing wrong with your phone. You're not alone, and it's really not worth worrying your pretty little head over it.

But if you just have to have weather info at the ready, there are a number of good apps and widgets available in the Android Market that should hold you over until the hamster gets back on the wheel.

ooVoo handles six-way video calling on your Android device

It seems every day a new video chat app is popping up, and now another has arrived. This one, put out by ooVoo (they're no spring chicken), lays claim to having the ability to handle six-way video calling. Although I'm skeptical of how well that will work, the download is available now on their website. At the moment, the application is locked down to just HTC Evo 4G and Samsung Epic 4G phones (spot the similarity!), but it also allows for free ooVoo-to-ooVoo calls and touts text chat and contact list integration as well.

For now, the application is free but the desktop versions do charge for anything more than a two-way call, ooVoo uses that as their premium service offerings so the possibility of future charges for the mobile version is indeed there. If you're wanting to give it a go, you can head on over to the ooVoo mobile site to download. [ooVoo via Mashable]

U.S. Cellular spreads holiday cheer, makes all phones available for free

U.S. Cellular is looking to make a few folks happy in time for the Holidays. Their upcoming sale, starting on Dec. 17 running until Dec. 24, has all of their device offerings available for free. In addition to that, a $100 credit will go to new customers purchasing a smartphone or existing customers adding a new smartphone line.

Busy day for Android news so far. Lots of updates, new app releases and with the Nexus S releasing tomorrow we got lots of energy and excitement built up for the days ahead. Join us in the forums as we discuss it all.

App Inventor now open to everyone

Google has announced that its popular (and fun) tool App Inventor is now open to anyone with a Google account. If you're not quite sure what App Inventor is exactly, don't feel too bad -- in typical Google fashion it's been a limited access tool, trickling out to users a few at a time. Think of it as a tool to create fun little apps, for people who have no idea how to create fun little apps. All you need to get started is a PC or Mac, an Android phone, and a Google account. And you'll want to visit and bookmark our App Inventor forum -- it's bound to get jumping now that anyone with a creative streak has access to the tools. There's a short demo after the break, and hit the source link to get started. [Google Research Blog]

Trillian for Android IM client is out of beta, into the Android Market at $4.99

Fans of the Trillian IM client should know that it looks like the beta period has ended (you can no longer download the app from Trillian's website), and it's now up in the Android Market. It'll run you $4.99. But is that too high a price to stay in constant contact with your friends be they on Astra, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, Windows Live, MySpaceIM, Google Talk or Jabber? Depends on the friends, we suppose.

Case review: Hellbent Green Skull Top Pouch

A little secret: I'm a metalhead. I like skulls. (And flames.) And so I like the Hellbent Green Skull Top Case. As far as cases go, it's your basic leather top case. Your phone slides in vertically, and there's a flap with magnetic clasp to keep it in place.

There's a belt clip on the back of the case for (what else?) riding on your belt. It's not detachable, which is too bad. But, frankly, with a killer design like this, you're not going to want to hide it in your pocket anyway. Our biggest niggle with this case is that you can't get to the phone's 3.5mm headphone jack on a lot of devices. So no listening to music while riding at your hip.

So more about the artwork: It's not just painted onto the case. It's not going to wash or rub off. It's embedded into the leather using a process that allows museum-quality prints without sacrificing the performance of the leather. Same toughness. Same look and feel. And it's resistant to perfume, cosmetics and household chemicals. It won't fade. It will not separate from the leather.

Posterous releases official app for Android devices

Although blogging with Posterous already IS as easy as sending off an e-mail, having more options to make use of is something we'll never complain about. Posterous users can now rejoice as Posterous has just released their mobile blogging application for Android devices. The application falls in line with the whole "feel" of Posterous in the fact that it is dead simple setup and use. It really is just open, tap and post. The only drawback at this time is that you need to have a supported device. Although, I'm sure it will work on some not listed.

HTC Desire

HTC Legend

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy Spica

Motorola Droid

Google Nexus One

HTC Hero

Google G1

You'll find the download available after the break, and many thanks to everyone who sent this into us. [Posterous]

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